Japan has officially designated Kisarazu City as the “hometown” for Nigerians wishing to live and work in the country, a move aimed at boosting cultural diplomacy and addressing labor needs
The announcement was made on Thursday during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the Japanese government confirmed.
Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, disclosed on Friday that the initiative will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled young Nigerians, as well as artisans and blue-collar workers willing to enhance their skills.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also designated three other Japanese cities as hometowns for African countries: Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe received the official certificate from the Japanese government confirming the city’s designation.
Officials said the initiative is expected to promote manpower development, strengthen bilateral exchanges, and support regional revitalization by boosting local populations. Kisarazu previously hosted Nigeria’s athletes during pre-games training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
At TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investments for Africa, emphasizing private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration. He also called for greater African cooperation as Japan grapples with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land.
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African leaders must be ashamed of themselves. Designating areas for Africans to come and be slaves. Labour needs, how disgraceful in 2025